JetBlue CEO: Air travel is nearing a 'tipping point' because of the government shutdown

A Transportation Safety Administration worker seen as passengers passed through security at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on Thursday.
NDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/Getty Images

Transportation Security Administration workers, perhaps the most public of federal aviation workers who have been working without pay, have been calling out of work at increasing rates in recent weeks. Over the Monday holiday this week, the absence rate hit a record-breaking 10%— or more than 3,000 employees — compared with a more normal 3.1% from the prior year.

That's caused longer wait times at some airports, including in Atlanta, where millions of football fans are expected to travel for the Super Bowl next weekend.

"Our crew members and customers are likely to face extended security lines, flight delays, and even cancellations," Hayes said. "And the longer this goes on, the longer it will take for the air travel infrastructure to rebound."